Symphoricarpos occidentalis - Hook.

Common Name

Wolfberry, Western snowberry

Family

Caprifoliaceae

USDA hardiness

3-7

Known Hazards

No report of toxicity has been seen for this species but the fruit of many if not all members of this genus contains saponins. Although toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm. They are also destroyed by thorough cooking. Saponins are found in many plants, including several that are often used for food, such as certain beans. It is advisable not to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins but it would take extremely large doses of many kilos of fruit from this plant in order to produce toxic symptoms[65]. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].

Habitats

Bluffs, dry prairies and plains[43], mainly in the Rockies[11].

Range

Western N. America - Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota to British Columbia, Kansas and Colorado.

Edibility Rating

(1 of 5)

Other Uses

(0 of 5)

Weed Potential

Yes

Medicinal Rating

(1 of 5)

Care

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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Symphoricarpos occidentalis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.8 m (6ft) at a medium rate. It is hardy to zone (UK) 3. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from September to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Synonyms

S. heyeri.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[161]. Insipid. They are best if cooked. A famine food, they are only used when all else fails[177, 257]. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter[200]. See the notes at top of page regarding possible toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Other Uses

Plants have extensive root systems and are used to stabilize soils on banks and slopes[200]. The branches can be made into brooms[257]. Very tolerant of trimming, it can be grown as a medium to tall hedge[200].

Cultivation details

Tolerates most soils and conditions, including poor soils and amongst the roots and under the drip of trees[11, 200]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a well-drained soil[200]. Does well in sun or shade[1]. Tolerates urban pollution and maritime exposure[200]. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -40°c[200]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 3 months warm then 5 months cold stratification[98]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[113]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, 15 - 25cm long preferably with a heel, in a sheltered bed outdoors in winter. High percentage[78, 200]. Division of suckers in winter. They can be planted out direct into their permanent positions.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

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